The Central Plains, the cradle of Chinese civilization. On this profound land, not only did a brilliant agricultural civilization flourish, but also a dazzling jade culture was nurtured. When it comes to jade carving, people often mention “Su Gong” (Suzhou style) and “Yang Gong” (Yangzhou style), but often overlook the “Henan Gong” (Henan style) hidden deep in the heart of the Central Plains. However, the long history, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound culture of Henan jade carving are by no means inferior to any other region. It is like a hidden yet majestic river, flowing silently for thousands of years, carrying the Chinese nation's ultimate pursuit of beauty and profound understanding of all things in heaven and earth.
The story begins with the Peiligang Culture, dating back more than eight thousand years ago. At the Jiahu site in Wuyang, Henan, archaeologists discovered the earliest jade artifacts in China to date—jade huang (arc-shaped pendant) and jade pendants. These simple yet spiritual jade objects were not only the budding aesthetic consciousness of the ancestors but also the initial witness to the rooting and sprouting of jade culture on the Chinese land. They tell us that as early as the Neolithic Age, the ancestors of the Central Plains had already formed a bond with jade, using the most primitive tools to carve out their aspirations for a better life. By the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, Henan, as the core area of the dynasty, saw jade artifacts endowed with sacred ritual functions and status symbols. For example, a large number of exquisite jade artifacts unearthed from the Yin Ruins in Anyang, such as jade ge (dagger-axe), jade zhang (ceremonial blade), jade bi (disc), and jade figures, all demonstrate the magnificent grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship of Shang Dynasty jade carving. Among them, the jade phoenix and jade dragon unearthed from Fu Hao's tomb, with their vivid shapes and smooth lines, are considered the pinnacle of Shang Dynasty jade carving art, laying a profound artistic foundation for later “Henan Gong.”
The uniqueness of Henan jade carving lies in its profound cultural heritage and deep understanding of jade materials. Unlike Southern jade carving, which pursues delicate transparency and exquisite beauty, it focuses more on the warm and substantial nature of the jade itself, as well as the rustic and solemn beauty conveyed by the carving. This is consistent with the inclusive, restrained, and grand nature of Central Plains culture. In terms of carving techniques, “Henan Gong” emphasizes “designing according to the material,” skillfully utilizing the natural texture and color of the jade material, cleverly applying contrasting colors, and turning flaws into virtues. For instance, Dushan jade, one of China's four famous jades, is produced in Nanyang, Henan. Its colorful and fine texture provides a unique advantage for Henan jade carving. Nanyang jade carvers fully utilize the characteristics of Dushan jade to create many ingenious works, such as large jade carvings like the “Nine Dragon Wall” and the “Great Wall,” which are magnificent in scale and meticulously detailed, leaving people in awe.
However, in the torrent of history, Henan jade carving once fell silent. It was not until the founding of New China, with the country's emphasis on traditional crafts, that Henan jade carving regained its vitality. Especially since the reform and opening up, a large number of outstanding jade carvers have emerged in Nanyang, Zhenping, Xinmi, and other places. They adhere to tradition while innovating, pushing “Henan Gong” to a new height. Today's Henan jade carving, while inheriting traditional themes such as “furnace and bottle vessels,” “figures and flowers and birds,” incorporates more modern aesthetic elements and a sense of life. Many works not only have high artistic value but also possess collection and practical functions. For example, in the Shifo Temple Jade Market in Zhenping, you can see various exquisite jade pendants, bracelets, and擺件 (decorative pieces), which have both the charm of traditional culture and the fashion sense of modern design.
The inheritance of “Henan Gong” is not just the inheritance of craftsmanship, but also the inheritance of culture. It carries the Central Plains people's yearning for a better life, their reverence for nature, and their confidence in Chinese civilization. Every jade carving work embodies the painstaking efforts and wisdom of the jade carver, and also tells moving stories of their bond with jade. In the future, we expect “Henan Gong” to continue to flourish, to shine even brighter on the world stage of jade carving art with its unique charm, allowing more people to appreciate the profoundness and immortality of Central Plains jade charm.
As the Book of Songs says: “When I think of a gentleman, he is as warm as jade.” Jade is not only a material carrier but also a symbol of spirit. And “Henan Gong” is the concrete expression of this spirit, connecting ancient and modern, communicating heaven and earth through jade, forever radiating the unique brilliance of Chinese civilization.